This past Saturday was the first of what promises to become an annual event, the Saab Fall Festival at New Salem Saab in Albany, New York. Also sponsored by the New England Saab Association and Goldwing Recycled Saab Parts, this show brought out more than 120 cars and 200 participants and spectators, and show cars ranged from an early 1960s two-stroke 96 to a 2010 9-5 Aero XWD.
There was plenty of eye candy for Saabophiles, and one of the most unusual pieces was noted Saab collector Arte Levy’s Saab ‘Turbo 006′ convertible junior: Its name could be interpreted as 900, upside down. This Finnish-built “kiddie car” was made in both coupe and convertible forms, and it was a rare and expensive plaything, as Arte’s paperwork notes.
Check out the très-80s rear louvers, which lift for access to the engine!
And the instrument panel and steering wheel, which are remarkably true-to-life…
I also enjoyed a stroll through the dealership showroom, where some of New Salem Saab’s 49 years of collected Saab books, advertising paperwork, models and other memorabilia were displayed.
There were two sporty Sonetts and two practical 96s on the showroom floor; the bright yellow 1973 Sonett III is in the process of being restored, while the pale yellow 1969 Sonett II V-4 was a beautiful restored example that has been driven just 66,100 miles.
The burgundy 1973 96 V-4 was a late example of this car that had belonged to New Salem Saab CEO Darryl Carl’s grandfather, and it was in fine fettle with 126,445 miles; adjacent to it was Huck Spaulding’s mind-blowing red 1967 96 in absolute time-warp condition, with a mere 654 miles on the odometer and the factory plastic still covering the seats. Hmmm, can you say driveReport?
Thanks to New Salem Saab and its partners for putting on a great celebration of all things Saab. Here’s to a bright future!